Black Friday is almost here, and with it comes a chance to grab some truly exceptional deals. We thought we’d share a few of our favourite items that are now absolute bargains — pieces of kit that not only perform brilliantly but also hold a special place in our hearts. From amplifiers that deliver that unmistakable Arcam warmth, to Sonus Faber speakers that blend Italian elegance with musical soul, and a Cyrus phono stage that’ll make your vinyl sing — there’s something here for everyone looking to take their system up a notch.

So, pop the kettle on, sit back, and have a read through what we’ve picked out this year. You might just find your next upgrade waiting for you…

ARCAM RADIA A5 AMPLIFIER

Was £749 - Now £475 - Save £274!

I remember when I had my very first job. After receiving my very first pay packet, I popped down to the local Ford’s Electricals and placed a deposit on a Hitachi rack system. I bought that system for £569 back in 1979. It wasn’t exactly high-end, but I loved it — up until then, all I’d had was a basic Panasonic turntable with built-in speakers.

Eventually, the Hitachi gave up the ghost, and over time it was replaced by several Japanese budget systems. They were all fine, but none of them really set my soul on fire. In hindsight, none of them were much better than that first system that had long since stopped working properly.

It was only when I joined Audio T that I had access to true hi-fi, and wow — what a revelation that was! My first real system — and where my hi-fi journey truly began — was an Arcam Alpha amplifier, Alpha CD player, Linn Basik turntable, and a pair of JPW Sonata loudspeakers. That setup brought me so much joy. The sound was astonishing compared to what I’d known before. Since then, I’ve upgraded and changed gear many times, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Arcam because of that first system.

My old Alpha amplifier was the entry point into their range back then — and today, the Radia A5 is its spiritual successor.

Build & Design:
Arcam has given the A5 a smart, modern appearance with clean lines, subtle detailing and a tactile feel that speaks of quality. It’s certainly a far cry from my old Alpha amp, and much more substantial in both form and finish.

Features:
Despite being the most affordable in the Radia range, the A5 offers impressive connectivity — including analogue inputs (with a moving-magnet phono stage), digital inputs (coaxial and optical) supporting 24-bit/192kHz, and Bluetooth.

Sound Character:
This amplifier possesses great musicality and midrange clarity, with controlled bass and a lively sense of rhythm. It strikes a real balance between enjoyment and fidelity.

Scalability:
The A5 won’t lock you into a limited setup. Whether you’re currently listening to digital sources or planning to add turntables, streamers or upgraded speakers later, the A5 gives you room to grow.

Conclusion:
Simple, smart, musical.
The Arcam Radia A5 hits a sweet spot — blending decades of Arcam’s engineering heritage with modern convenience and a sound that feels anything but compromised. Pair it with a good set of speakers and you’ll be rewarded with a listening experience that’s both engaging and refined.

CYRUS CLASSIC PHONO

Was £1,895 - Now £899 - Save £996!

When Cyrus first launched the Phono, I was genuinely surprised. The brand was historically known for amplifiers, power supplies, and CD players — so this was a new and unexpected direction. Upon listening, though, I was blown away not just by the sound quality, but by how flexible and configurable it was.

Key Features:

Adjustable gain (from around 40–70 dB depending on cartridge) and loading options make it incredibly cartridge-friendly.
Multiple inputs (4 channels) allow easy switching between decks or tonearms without rewiring.
Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs provide system flexibility.
Ultra-low noise floor offers a deep, black canvas from which music truly comes to life.

Upgradeability:
Adding a Cyrus PSX R2 external power supply takes performance up a notch — providing a cleaner, more stable power source that reduces noise and distortion. This unlocks more detail, dynamics, and a wider, deeper soundstage, allowing the phono stage to perform at its full potential.

Sound Quality:
The Cyrus Phono delivers superb imaging, impressive depth, and that inky black background we all love. Voices and instruments feel free from the boundaries of the loudspeakers, floating effortlessly in space.

Is it for you?

You’ve got a high-end vinyl setup and don’t want your phono stage to be the weak link.
You use (or plan to use) multiple turntables or cartridges and want the convenience of switching.
You value neutrality and transparency above all else.

Conclusion:
In the world of phono stages, the Cyrus Classic Phono represents a top-tier combination of flexibility, sonic purity and build quality. For vinyl enthusiasts who demand excellence rather than compromise, this is an essential audition.

SONUS FABER OLYMPICA NOVA II

Were £10,275 - Now £5,999 - Save £4,276!

I’ll be honest — the first thing that drew me to Sonus Faber was the styling. Before we started stocking them, I auditioned a few pairs and quickly realised that the sound was every bit as stunning as the looks.

Our customers clearly agree, as they often comment on how beautiful these speakers are in person. The Olympica Nova II is the most affordable model in the Olympica Nova floor-standing lineup, yet it delivers true high-end performance, Italian craftsmanship, and materials that ooze quality.

Design and Build:
The Nova II features a 3-way, full “para-aperiodic” vented box alignment (Stealth Ultraflex) to manage bass porting and cabinet resonance with finesse.
Driver complement:

28mm “Damped Apex Dome” silk soft-dome tweeter
150mm midrange driver made from a blend of natural fibres and cellulose for minimal resonance
180mm cellulose/foam sandwich-cone bass driver

Nominal impedance is 4 ohms, and sensitivity is rated at 88 dB.

Aesthetics:
True to Sonus Faber’s design language — the curved, multi-layer wooden cabinets in Walnut or Wenge finishes exude Italian flair. Internal bracing ensures rigidity and minimises unwanted vibration, while the craftsmanship is second to none.

Sound Quality:
The Nova IIs present a virtually holographic soundstage, creating a tangible sense of performers in space. The midrange is rich, detailed, and emotionally engaging. Bass extends deeper than you’d expect for the size, with excellent control and punch. The treble is refined, elegant, and slightly relaxed, making them enjoyable across a wide variety of music.

Conclusion:
For anyone who values both performance and aesthetics, the Olympica Nova II sounds every bit as good as it looks — and it looks stunning.

So there you have it — the team in Swindon’s top picks, straight from the people who know the kit best. That’s just the tip of the iceberg: we’ve got bargains across speakers, headphones, streaming devices, TVs, amplifiers, AV receivers, and more. Click below to explore the full list — but don’t hang around. Once these items are gone, they’re gone!

View all Black Friday Clearance Deals

Thanks for reading, and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Jon and Andy - Audio T Swindon

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to contact us.

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